If your NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) application status shows “Funding Eligible” but you haven’t received any payment yet, it can be frustrating and confusing. However, this status means you are on the right track—NSFAS has approved your funding in principle. The delay in payment could be due to a number of reasons that can usually be resolved by following a few key steps.
What to Do If Your NSFAS Status Says “Funding Eligible” But No Payment Yet
Here’s what you need to know and do next.
1. Understand What “Funding Eligible” Means
“Funding Eligible” means NSFAS has approved your application based on financial need and academic criteria, but the disbursement process is not yet complete. This status does not mean that payments have been made—it only confirms that you qualify.
Before NSFAS pays out allowances (such as for books, transport, or accommodation), your registration must be confirmed by your institution and various administrative steps must be completed.
2. Check Your Registration Status with Your Institution
One of the most common reasons for payment delays is that the university or TVET college has not yet confirmed your registration with NSFAS. Without this confirmation, NSFAS cannot release your funds.
What to Do:
- Visit your institution’s student portal or administration office.
- Ask if your registration has been submitted to NSFAS.
- Ensure you are registered for an NSFAS-funded course or programme.
Some institutions submit this information in batches, so be patient—but it’s still important to confirm.
3. Make Sure You’ve Signed Your NSFAS Bursary Agreement (NBA)
Once your funding is approved and registration is confirmed, NSFAS will send you a bursary agreement to sign. If you don’t sign it, payments will not be processed.
What to Do:
- Log in to your myNSFAS account on www.nsfas.org.za.
- Go to the “Track Funding Progress” tab.
- If a bursary agreement is available, it will prompt you to sign digitally.
- You may also receive an SMS with a link to sign your NBA electronically.
Make sure your cellphone number on the NSFAS system is correct and active.
Read more: How to Recover Your myNSFAS Username Without Creating a New Account
4. Check for Bank Account or eWallet Activation Issues
If you are at a university, your allowances will likely be paid directly into your bank account. For TVET college students, NSFAS uses the NSFAS Mastercard system.
What to Do:
- Ensure you’ve received instructions to activate your NSFAS Mastercard or eWallet.
- If you’re using a bank account, check that your bank details on your myNSFAS profile are accurate and verified.
- Follow up with the service provider (e.g. Tenet Technology or Coinvest) if there are card or app issues.
5. Monitor Allowance Payment Schedules
Even when everything is in order, payments may not be instant. Institutions and NSFAS usually follow a monthly payment schedule, and disbursements can take time.
What to Do:
- Ask your institution’s financial aid office for the expected payment dates.
- Check the NSFAS website or social media for payment updates.
- Allow a few days after the scheduled date before escalating.
6. Contact NSFAS or Your Institution for Support
If all the above steps are completed and you still haven’t received payment, you may need to escalate the issue.
Who to Contact:
- NSFAS Contact Centre: 08000 67327
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter/X: @myNSFAS
- Your institution’s Financial Aid Office
When contacting support, have your ID number, student number, and screenshots of your NSFAS status ready to speed up assistance.
Final Thoughts
Seeing a “Funding Eligible” status is a positive step—it means NSFAS wants to fund you. However, the payment process requires coordination between NSFAS and your institution, as well as action from you (like signing the bursary agreement). If you follow the steps outlined above, you’ll be in a better position to resolve the delay and access your allowances.
